Multi-position clutch

a multi-position, clutch technology, applied in the direction of mechanical actuated clutches, couplings, fluid couplings, etc., to achieve the effect of improving the clutch assembly

Active Publication Date: 2009-08-13
DANA TM4 INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables the selective coupling of at least two of three rotatable shafts, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the clutch assembly in various mechanical systems, including hybrid drive vehicles and wind turbines.

Problems solved by technology

However, clutch assemblies from the prior art allow only the selective coupling of two predetermined shafts.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0020]A multi-position clutch 10 for selectively coupling two of three rotatable shafts 12-16 according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C.

[0021]The multi-position clutch 10 comprises first, second and third cooperation elements 18, 20 and 22 respectively associated to the first, second and third shafts 12, 14 and 16. The cooperation elements 18-22 are in the form of toothed gears secured at the end of each respective shaft 12-16. The first and second cooperation elements 18 and 20 includes rectangular teeth only on their facing side since they are meant to be selectively engaged only by the third cooperation element 22, which is positioned therebetween. Indeed, the three cooperation elements 18-22 are mounted to their respective rotatable shafts 12-16 so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling between adjacent cooperation elements. Therefore, the third toothed gear 22 includes cooperating r...

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Abstract

A multi-position clutch allows selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts is described herein. The clutch comprises at least three cooperation elements respectively associated to one of the at least three rotatable shafts for selective engagement therebetween; the at least three cooperation elements are mounted to the at least three rotatable shafts so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling of at least two adjacent cooperation elements. An actuating mechanism is provided for selectively coupling at least two adjacent cooperation elements from the at least three cooperation elements.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to mechanical transmission. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-position clutch for selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A conventional clutch, such as the one provided in most cars, includes a clutch disc or plate secured at the end of the transmission shaft for selective engagement with the flywheel, which is driven by the crankshaft. The clutch plate is selectively operated by an actuating mechanism which may include a pressure plate biased onto the clutch plate by springs and disengaged thereon by a thrust pad operating on the pressure plate via levers and a clutch cover. Of course, other clutch assemblies are known in the art. However, clutch assemblies from the prior art allow only the selective coupling of two predetermined shafts.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION[0003]An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved c...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F16D27/08F16D43/00F16D21/02
CPCF16D21/06F16D2021/0676F16D27/12F16D27/112
InventorHOULE, MARTINBLOUIN, PIERREBIBEAU, LOUIS-PHILIPPEXU, JIANHONG
OwnerDANA TM4 INC